Nearly Two Dozen Homes Destroyed By Southern Colorado Wildfire

A large wildfire burning mostly in southern El Paso County has torched about 41,000 acres, destroyed 23 homes and forced the evacuation of about 1,000 residents.The blazed, named the 117 fire, started Tuesday south of Colorado Springs, and it was spread quickly by extreme high winds and tinder-dry conditions. Compounding matters Wednesday were downed, live power lines within the widespread fire perimeter. Utility crews worked to turn off power to the downed lines as part of safety efforts.